Compositions for Improving Nail Health

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 63/646,219 filed 13 May 2024, and French Patent App. No. FR 2406626 filed Jun. 20, 2024, the contents of which are each incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The present disclosure is drawn to cosmetic compositions for improving nail health.

Having healthy nails and skin around the nails is desirable. Healthy nails have a healthy color, they have a relatively smooth surface that has a gentle curve, they do not break easily, and they have a healthy cuticle and are surrounded by healthy skin.

Use of conventional nail cosmetics and nail cosmetic removers may be a factor in reduced nail health; for example, if the nail cosmetic remover utilizes a harsh chemical, repeated exposure of the nail to a harsh chemical can damage the nail, such as making the nail more brittle.

Techniques for improving nail health are therefore desirable.

In various aspects, a method for improving nail health of a user may be provided. The method may include providing a composition including an oil phase. The oil phase may include a vasodilator. The vasodilator may be present in a concentration (C) of, e.g., 0<C≤5% by weight of the composition. The vasodilator may be a single vasodilator (such as vanillyl butyl ether). The vasodilator may include a plurality of vasodilators. The oil phase may include a non-volatile oil. The non-volatile oil may include one or more vegetable oils, which may be seed oils. The non-volatile oil may be present in a concentration (C) of C≥90% by weight of the composition. The oil phase may include a preservative and an antioxidant. The composition may be in the form of a liquid oil, a thickened oil, or a paste.

The composition may be substantially free of C2-C5 acetates, ketones of less than 6 carbons, and C2-C5 monoalcohols. The composition may be free of film formers. The composition may be substantially free of nitrocellulose. The composition may be free of a colorant. The composition may be free of a fragrance. The composition may be anhydrous.

The method may include applying the composition to a cuticle and/or skin at a base of a nail. The method may include allowing the composition to remain on the cuticle and/or skin at the base of the nail for at least a predetermined period of time. The method may include repeatedly applying the composition to the cuticle and/or skin at the base of the nail at least once a day for a period of at least one week. The composition may be applied to the cuticle and/or skin at the base of the nail using a brush. The composition may be brushlessly applied to the cuticle and/or skin at the base of the nail.

In various aspects, a composition for improving nail health of a user may be provided. The composition may include an oil phase. The oil phase may include a vasodilator. The vasodilator may be present in a concentration (C) of, e.g., 0<C≤5% by weight of the composition. The vasodilator may be a single vasodilator (such as vanillyl butyl ether). The vasodilator may include a plurality of vasodilators. The oil phase may include a non-volatile oil. The non-volatile oil may include one or more vegetable oils, which may be seed oils. The non-volatile oil may be present in a concentration (C) of C≥90% by weight of the composition. The oil phase may include a preservative and an antioxidant. The composition may be in the form of a liquid oil, a thickened oil, or a paste.

The composition may be substantially free of C2-C5 acetates, ketones of less than 6 carbons, and C2-C5 monoalcohols. The composition may be free of film formers. The composition may be substantially free of nitrocellulose. The composition may be free of a colorant. The composition may be free of a fragrance. The composition may be anhydrous.

As used herein, the term “about” (a target value) may refer to values that are ±10%, ±8%, ±6%, ±5%, ±4%, ±3%, ±2%, ±1%, or ±0.5% of that target value.

As used herein, the term “substantially free of (a component)” indicates that the systems or compositions contain no appreciable amount of the component, for example, no more than about 1% by weight, or no more than about 0.5% by weight, or no more than about 0.3% by weight, such as no more than about 0.1% by weight, based on the weight of the system or composition comprising the system and/or the oxidizing composition according to embodiments of the disclosure.

As used herein, the term “free” or “completely free of (a component)” indicates that the systems or compositions do not contain the component in any measurable degree by standard means.

The disclosed compositions and techniques may be used to improve nail health. Improving nail health may include, e.g., improving one or more characteristics related to nail health. This may include, e.g., moisturizing skin around the nail, reducing breakage of the nail, reducing brittleness of the nail, conditioning the cuticles, providing barrier protection around the nail plate, and/or providing support for damaged nails.

In various aspects, a method for improving nail health of a user may be provided. The method may include providing a composition for improving nail health of a user.

The composition may include an oil phase. As used herein, the term “include”, “includes”, or “including” (one or more materials) refers to either comprising or consisting of those one or more materials. For example, for a composition “including” an oil phase, the composition may consist of the oil phase, or it may comprise an oil phase.

In a preferred embodiment, the composition may be anhydrous (e.g., free of water). In some embodiments, the composition may be substantially free of water. In some embodiments, the composition may include an aqueous phase. In some embodiments, the aqueous phase may be less than 10% by weight of the composition.

The composition may be in the form of a paste. As used herein, the term “paste” refers to a composition having a consistency that is intermediate between a solid and a liquid, for example, but not limited to, having a viscosity of greater than 5 poises, such as greater than 10 poises at 25° C., and at a shear rate of 1 s. This viscosity may be measured using a rheometer or a cone-plate viscometer.

The composition may be in the form of a thickened oil. As used here, the term “oil” refers to a non-aqueous compound, non-miscible in water, liquid, at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg; 1.013.10Pa). As used herein, the term “thickened oil” refers to an oil in combination with a thickening or viscosity modifying agent, where the viscosity of the thickened oil is greater than a viscosity of the combination of the base oil(s). For example, the viscosity of a mixture of oil A+oil B+thickening agent C should be greater than the viscosity of a mixture of oil A+oil B. The thickened oil may be unable to flow under its own weight at 20° C. In some embodiments, the thickened oil may have a viscosity of at least 50 Pa-s as measured at a temperature of 25° C. and a shear rate of 1 s.

The composition may be in the form of a liquid oil. As used here, the term “liquid oil” refers to an oil that is liquid at room temperature (e.g., 22° C. to 28° C.) preferably also liquid at temperature below room temperature such as below 15° C., 10° C. or 5° C. Preferably, the liquid oil can flow under its own weight at 20° C. In some embodiments, the oil may have a viscosity of less than 50 Pa-s as measured at a temperature of 25° C. and a shear rate of 1 s.

The oil phase may include a vasodilator. The vasodilator may be any oil soluble or oil miscible cosmetically acceptable vasodilator. Non-limiting examples of such vasodilators includes, e.g., caffeine, cinnamon, menthol, capsaicin, vanillyl butyl ether, ginger oleoresin, L-arginine, niacin, methyl nicotinate, ethyl nicotinate, hexyl nicotinate, etc.

The vasodilator may consist of a single vasodilator. The vasodilator may include a plurality of vasodilators.

The vasodilator may be present in a total concentration (C) of less than about 5% by weight of the composition. The vasodilator may be present in a total concentration 0<C≤5% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the vasodilator may be present in a total concentration C≥0.001% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the vasodilator may be present in a total concentration C≥0.01% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the vasodilator may be present in a total concentration C≥0.1% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the vasodilator may be present in a total concentration C≤4.5% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the vasodilator may be present in a total concentration C≤4% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the vasodilator may be present in a total concentration C≤3.5% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the vasodilator may be present in a total concentration C≤3% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the vasodilator may be present in a total concentration C≤2.5% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the vasodilator may be present in a total concentration C≤2.25% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the vasodilator may be present in a total concentration C≤2% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the vasodilator may be present in a total concentration C≤1.75% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the vasodilator may be present in a total concentration C≤1.5% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the vasodilator may be present in a total concentration C≤1.25% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the vasodilator may be present in a total concentration C≤1.00% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the vasodilator may be present in a total concentration C<1.00% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the vasodilator may be present in a total concentration C≤0.75% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the vasodilator may be present in a total concentration C≤0.5% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the vasodilator may be present in a total concentration C≤0.45% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the vasodilator may be present in a total concentration C≤0.4% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the vasodilator may be present in a total concentration C≤0.35% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the vasodilator may be present in a total concentration C≤0.3% by weight of the composition. In one preferred embodiment, the vasodilator may be present in a total concentration 0<C≤3% by weight of the composition. In one more preferred embodiment, the vasodilator may be present in a total concentration 0<C≤2.25% by weight of the composition. In one more preferred embodiment, the vasodilator may be present in a total concentration 0<C≤1.5% by weight of the composition.

In some embodiments with multiple vasodilators, each vasodilator may be present in a total amount of at least about 0.05% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments with multiple vasodilators, each vasodilator may be present in a total amount of at least about 0.1% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments with multiple vasodilators, each vasodilator may be present in a total amount of at least about 0.15% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments with multiple vasodilators, each vasodilator may be present in a total amount of no more than about 1% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments with multiple vasodilators, each vasodilator may be present in a total amount of no more than about 0.75% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments with multiple vasodilators, each vasodilator may be present in a total amount of no more than about 0.5% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments with multiple vasodilators, each vasodilator may be present in a total amount of no more than about 0.4% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments with multiple vasodilators, each vasodilator may be present in a total amount of no more than about 0.3% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments with multiple vasodilators, each vasodilator may be present in a total amount of no more than about 0.2% by weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, when multiple vasodilators are used, each vasodilator may be an agonist against a different receptor. For example, capsaicin and vanillyl butyl ether are agonist for vanilloid receptor (e.g., transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)), while ethyl nicotinate is used as an agonist for nicotine receptors (e.g., nicotine acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs)).

The oil phase may include a non-volatile oil. As used here, the term “non-volatile” refers to a material (such as an oil) for which the vapor pressure at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure is non-zero and is less than 0.02 mmHg (2.66 Pa) and better still less than 10mmHg (0.13 Pa).

The non-volatile oil may include one or more vegetable oils. As used herein, the term “vegetable oil” refers to an oil extracted from a species belonging to the plant kingdom. The vegetable oil may be a seed oil. As used herein, the term “seed oil” refers to oils that are extracted from the seeds of the species from which the vegetable oil is extracted.

Non-limiting examples of seed oils include, e.g., Sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil, sesame seed oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, flaxseed oil, soybean oil, camellia seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil,(jojoba) seed oil, and(apricot) kernel oil.

The non-volatile oil may be a single non-volatile oil. The non-volatile oil may be a plurality of non-volatile oils. In one embodiment, the non-volatile oil includes(jojoba) seed oil, and(apricot) kernel oil.

The non-volatile oil may be present in a total concentration (C) of at least about 85% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the non-volatile oil may be present in a total concentration C≥87.5% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the non-volatile oil may be present in a total concentration C≥90% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the non-volatile oil may be present in a total concentration C≥92.5% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the non-volatile oil may be present in a total concentration C≥95% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the non-volatile oil may be present in a total concentration C≥97.5% by weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, when multiple non-volatile oils are present, each non-volatile oil may be present in a concentration of at least about 2.5% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, when multiple non-volatile oils are present, each non-volatile oil may be present in a concentration of at least about 5% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, when multiple non-volatile oils are present, one of the non-volatile oils may be present in a concentration of at least about 85% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, when multiple non-volatile oils are present, one of the non-volatile oils may be present in a concentration of at least about 87.5% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, when multiple non-volatile oils are present, one of the non-volatile oils may be present in a concentration of at least about 90% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, when multiple non-volatile oils are present, one of the non-volatile oils may be present in a concentration of at least about 92.5% by weight of the composition.

The non-volatile oil may be substantially free, or free, of a silicone oil. As used herein, the term “silicone oil” refers to an oil containing at least one silicon atom, and in particular containing Si—O groups.

The oil phase may include a preservative. The preservative may be a single preservative. The preservative may be a plurality of preservatives. The preservatives may be oil-soluble or oil-miscible preservatives.

The preservative may include one or more alcohols. The one or more alcohols may include one or more alcohols with a phenoxy terminal group. The alcohol with a phenoxy terminal group may be 2-Phenoxyethan-1-ol (phenoxyethanol). The preservative may include a polyol. The polyol may be, e.g., caprylyl glycol.

The preservative may be present in a total concentration (C) of less than about 2% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the preservative may be present in a total concentration C≤1.75% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the preservative may be present in a total concentration C≤1.5% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the preservative may be present in a total concentration C≤1.25% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the preservative may be present in a total concentration C≤1% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the preservative may be present in a total concentration C≥0.001% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the preservative may be present in a total concentration C≥0.01% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the preservative may be present in a total concentration C≥0.1% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the preservative may be present in a total concentration C≥0.5% by weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, when more than one preservative is present, each preservative may be present in a concentration of at least about 0.1% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, when more than one preservative is present, each preservative may be present in a concentration of at least about 0.25% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, when more than one preservative is present, each preservative may be present in a concentration of at least about 0.5% by weight of the composition.

The oil phase may include an antioxidant. The antioxidant may be a single antioxidant. The antioxidant may be a plurality of antioxidants. The antioxidants may be oil-soluble or oil-miscible antioxidants.

Non-limiting examples of antioxidants include ascorbic acid, sodium sulfite, sodium metabisulfite, sodium hydrosulfite, tocopherols, alpha-tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, panthenol, selenium sulfide, zinc formosulfoxylate, erythorbic acid, isoascorbic acid, thioglycolate salt, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl glucoside, cysteine, thiourea, thiolactic acid, glyceryl monothioglycolate, thioglycerol, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and a mixture thereof. In some cases, the composition maya include at least tocopheryl acetate. composition includes at least ascorbic acid.

The antioxidant may be present in a total concentration (CA) of less than about 2% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the antioxidant may be present in a total concentration C≤1.75% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the antioxidant may be present in a total concentration C≤1.5% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the antioxidant may be present in a total concentration C≤1.25% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the antioxidant may be present in a total concentration C≤1% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the antioxidant may be present in a total concentration C≥0.001% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the antioxidant may be present in a total concentration C≥0.01% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the antioxidant may be present in a total concentration C≥0.1% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the antioxidant may be present in a total concentration C≥0.5% by weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, when more than one antioxidant is present, each antioxidant may be present in a concentration of at least about 0.1% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, when more than one antioxidant is present, each antioxidant may be present in a concentration of at least about 0.25% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, when more than one antioxidant is present, each antioxidant may be present in a concentration of at least about 0.5% by weight of the composition.

The composition may include one or more additional materials. The one or more additional materials may be present in a total amount less than about 5% by weight of the composition. The one or more additional materials may be present in a total amount less than about 4% by weight of the composition. The one or more additional materials may be present in a total amount less than about 3% by weight of the composition. The one or more additional materials may be present in a total amount less than about 2% by weight of the composition. The composition may be substantially free of additional materials. The composition may be free of additional materials.

The additional materials may include a colorant. In some embodiments, the colorant may be present in a total amount of at least about 0.001% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the colorant may be present in a total amount of less than 5% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the colorant may be present in a total amount of less than 4% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the colorant may be present in a total amount of less than 3% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the colorant may be present in a total amount of less than 2% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the composition may be substantially free of a colorant. In some embodiments, the composition may be free of a colorant. In some embodiments, the composition may include less than a coloring-effective amount of colorant. For example, if a red colorant is provided, the colorant is not used in a concentration sufficient to cause the product to achieve the desired red color. This amount may vary based on the colorant in question.

The colorant may include one or more dyestuffs chosen from, e.g., liposoluble dyes, pulverulent dyestuffs such as pigments, especially nacres, and glitter flakes, or alternatively coloring polymers.

Among the liposoluble dyes, mention may be made of Sudan Red III (CTFA: D&C Red 17), lutein, quinizarine green (CTFA: D&C Green 6), alizurol purple SS (CTFA: D&C Violet 2), Sudan Brown, D&C Yellow 11, D&C Orange 5, quinoline yellow, curcumin, and carotenoid derivatives such as lycopene, beta-carotene, bixin or capsanthin, and mixtures thereof. The coloring polymers are generally copolymers based on at least two different monomers, at least one of which is a monomeric organic dye. Such polymeric dyes are known to those skilled in the art.

The term “pigments” should be understood as meaning white or colored, mineral or organic particles of any form, which are insoluble in the cosmetic medium, and which are intended to color the cosmetic ink. The term “nacres” should be understood as meaning iridescent particles of any shape, in particular produced by certain mollusks in their shell, or else synthesized.

The pigments may be white, black or colored, and mineral and/or organic. Among the mineral pigments that may be mentioned are titanium dioxide, optionally surface-treated, zirconium oxide or cerium oxide, and also zinc oxide, iron (black, yellow or red) oxide or chromium oxide, manganese violet, ultramarine blue, chromium hydrate and ferric blue, and metal powders, for instance aluminum powder and copper powder. Among the organic pigments that may be mentioned are carbon black, pigments of D&C type and lakes based on cochineal carmine or on barium, strontium, calcium or aluminum. The nacreous pigments may be chosen from white nacreous pigments such as mica coated with titanium or with bismuth oxychloride, colored nacreous pigments such as titanium mica coated with iron oxides, titanium mica coated especially with ferric blue or with chromium oxide, titanium mica coated with an organic pigment and also nacreous pigments based on bismuth oxychloride.

The colorant may include one or more photochromic dyestuffs, especially pigments, i.e. dyestuffs which have the property of changing color when they are irradiated with a light source of a certain frequency, and then of regaining their initial color, or a similar color, when the irradiation is stopped. Among the photochromic dyestuffs, mention may be made especially of: complex mineral photochromic compounds and more particularly doped aluminosilicates, and metal oxides and metal oxide hydrates; and/or photochromic naphthopyran compounds, especially 3H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyrans or 2H-naphtho[1,2-b]pyrans, for instance 3,3-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-morpholino-3H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyran, 3-phenyl-3-(4-morpholinophenyl)-6-morpholino-3H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyran, 3-phenyl-3-(4-piperidinophenyl)-6-morpholino-3H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyran, 3-phenyl-3-(4-piperidinophenyl)-6-carboxymethyl-9-N-dimethyl-3H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyran or 2-phenyl-2-(4-piperidinophenyl)-5-carboxymethyl-9-N-dimethyl-2H-naphtho[1,2-b]pyran.

The additional materials may include a fragrance. In some embodiments, the fragrance may be present in a total amount of at least about 0.001% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the fragrance may be present in a total amount of less than 2% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the fragrance may be present in a total amount of less than 1.5% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the composition may be substantially free of a fragrance. In some embodiments, the composition may be free of a fragrance.

The additional materials may include a filler. The filler may be of organic or inorganic nature. As used herein, the term “filler” generally refers to colorless or white solid particles of any shape, which are in a form that is insoluble or dispersed in the medium of the composition. Inorganic or organic in nature, they make it possible to confer body or rigidity on the composition, and/or softness, and uniformity on the composition.

The filler may be a single filler. The filler may include a plurality of fillers. In some embodiments, the filler may be present in a total amount of at least about 0.001% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the filler may be present in a total amount of less than 5% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the filler may be present in a total amount of less than 4% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the filler may be present in a total amount of less than 3% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the filler may be present in a total amount of less than 2% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the composition may be substantially free of a filler. In some embodiments, the composition may be free of a filler.